Half-staff flags, bells mark 1 year since Pulse massacre

Carrie Doyle | June 14, 2017, 0:50

"But the list of reasons that I found that different newspapers or commentators have said have caused this besides that", continued Mauro, "are racism, guns and gun culture, homophobia, mental illness, just every conceivable reason ... besides Islamic teaching, because we know it can't be that". "I was relieved when I found out they were okay".

Morris also discussed resources with attendees and called on them to go back into their individual communities and work for inclusiveness in all areas including intolerance, Islamophobia and racism. He spent a semester living in Orlando. It was a hard moment for Jackie Carter, Pastor of Table of Hope Metropolitan Community Church.

"I'm over surviving, it's time for my friends to thrive", she said.

Those who attended Monday night's vigil had the opportunity to sign a poster that will be sent to the Pulse nightclub as a show of support.

One year later, their pain is still prevalent, but so is their message.

The Pulse nightclub itself has since been surrounded by various tributes, and will now be turned into a permanent memorial. "The solution to that is love and acceptance", Murrieta said.

Along with these 49 people, dozens more were injured after a gunman stormed inside the club and began shooting. He told emergency responders he committed the act in allegiance to ISIS.

"It's all about unity, us all getting together, recognizing this tragedy, all at one time", Abundant Life Community Church Member Tina Sutton said. As they were handing out supplies, one of the vigil's organizers came up and asked if First United could ring the bells as the names of the 49 victims were read.